Modern Dating Is a Joke… But We’re All Still In It

Let’s not sugarcoat it—modern dating feels like a never-ending episode of Black Mirror with a hint of Love Island and a lot of WTF. One minute you’re exchanging “good morning” texts, the next you’re left staring at a “last seen yesterday” notification and wondering if they died—or just lost interest.

Here’s the truth: dating today is both thrilling and exhausting. There’s the excitement of a fresh match, the dopamine hit of a flirtatious reply, and then…the crash. The “he’s not as consistent anymore” or the “she’s suddenly busy all the time” phase kicks in. And no one talks about it openly—because we’re all trying not to look too pressed.

Why Is It So Hard Now?

We live in a swipe culture. Options are endless, attention spans are short, and effort is at an all-time low. People want the spark, the thrill, the instant connection—but skip the actual connection part. Add to that the fear of vulnerability and past trauma, and boom—you’ve got situationships, ghosting, and a whole lot of “almosts.”

Truth bomb: Most people aren’t emotionally available, but they still want emotional benefits. That’s the real chaos.

Ghosting: The Silent Epidemic

Let’s be honest—ghosting is cowardly, but it’s also common. We hate it when it happens to us but don’t flinch when doing it to others. It’s easier to vanish than to say, “Hey, I don’t think this is working.” But the real flex? Communication. Respect. Clarity. That’s rare currency in the dating economy.

“Talking Stage” or Holding Pattern?

Ah yes, the infamous talking stage—where you’re practically dating, but without the title, the security, or the commitment. It’s where feelings grow, but expectations die. The “We’re just vibing” culture sounds cute until you realize you’re stuck in a one-sided situationship with someone who isn’t even emotionally consistent.

Pro tip: If you’ve been “talking” for three months with no progress, you’re not in a relationship. You’re in a loop.

Social Media Has Ruined Everything (Almost)

Let’s not even get started on Instagram soft-launches, Snapchat streaks, and TikToks romanticizing relationships that don’t exist. Social media has made dating feel performative—like if there’s no post about it, is it even real?

Comparison kills genuine connection. You’re not building a bond—you’re building an aesthetic.

So What Actually Works?

Here’s what’s still undefeated:

Clarity: Say what you want. Don’t waste anyone’s time.
Consistency: If you like someone, show up. Every time.
Character: Dating apps are full of attractive people. What stands out is integrity.
Connection: Beyond physical attraction, can you really talk to each other?

Modern dating is wild, messy, confusing—but not hopeless. Real love still exists. It just doesn’t always come in a curated profile or a perfectly timed DM. Sometimes, it looks like effort, awkward conversations, and choosing someone—even when you don’t have to.

So keep your standards, not your walls. Love is still out there, but you’ll need patience, wisdom, and a little bit of courage to navigate the madness.